Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Monday - Hike up Hatta Mountain

Hetta, the highest mountain near Vic, is 500 meters at its peak.  The path started at the cemetery on a hill overlooking the beach.b




We thought this was the top, it wasn't.


Getting higher


One fence crossing

Views from above





Looking down from the top.  I also posted two videos to Instagram (ArtCT)

At the top after scrambling over a rocky trail 



Some of the flora along the way



Icelandic moss which is used in bread and tea










Monday - Kirkjubæjarklaustur morning walk

We took l lovely walk from the Dalshofdi Guesthouse this morning before breakfast.  We started out shortly after sunrise hiking beside the river.b






On the way we passed by the standard pile of discarded farm equipment that seems to decorate most farms.



Then we hiked up into the high meadow



We saw our first insect other than flys and nats (the national insect of Iceland that swarms you in calm areas, fortunately, we are mostly in the wind).


As usual, we could not resist photos of the local flora - primarily lovely grasses .


Back near the guesthouse was a small cabin with a grass roof that looked as it had once been used to dry meat or fish . Now it contains an odd assortment of obsolete paraphanalia.




And off to Vic.








Monday, August 25, 2014

Monday - Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Vik

The drive from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Vik is only about 75 km. A quick trip which allowed for several hikes.  


An odd 180 degree panorama 
More lava

And where did this cone from?
All of the other rural churches we say we part or a farm


Getting close to Vic





These rocks became a theme for Vic

Later in the afternoon
The beach at Vic




Plant life at the beach




Hotel Katla 5 km east of Vik